The Victoria and Albert has been on my list for years of places that I wanted to visit. Finally, on my last trip to London, I made it. It was worth the wait.
The Victoria and Albert Museum, down the road from Harrods in London. Photo by me
I loved the fashion wing with the different era’s beautiful clothes lovingly displayed.
The historic costume wing Photo by me
Boas and embroideries from the 20s. Photo by me
Ball gowns. Photo by me
Women who lunch Photo by me
Color. Photo by me
Modern times. Photo by me
Ending with an ethereal figure floating above the space. Photo by me
After such fashionable beauty, I tackled the museum, exploring the vast halls. It is massive.
The VA from the inner courtyard. Photo by me
The entry hall. Photo by me
The entrance to the gift shop. Photo by me
It was incredibly large, and the hallways went on forever. Even with my map I had to stop to ask the guards directions several times. I was looking for a room filled with Constable water-color sketches. It was a maze.
Down dark hallways…Photo by me
…past huge storerooms of great treasures. Photo by me
…past the guardians. Photo by me
…no time to rest. Photo by me
…an angel trumpeted the way. Photo by me
Finally I found them in a very dim room under glass. I couldn’t use any flash and it was hard to photograph them, but take my word…they were exquisite.
And finally I was there. Photo by me
A room filled with small Constable gems. Photo by me
My day was complete. Back out on the wet streets of London, I was totally at peace. Constable can do that for you.
The walk back home. Photo by me
Wow, I never even knew this museum existed. Surprising, especially with it being so huge! Your photos of the fashion wing make it look like lots of fun. Do you know if the building(s) used to be something else prior to this museum? Seems alot of space, and doesn’t look like something built recently.
I believe it began with the Great Exhibition of 1851–I assume that is a precursor of our World’s Fairs. It actually first opened in 1852 and was transferred to this site occupied by the Brompton Park House in 1857. From then on it was expanded and added on to, taking on the name Victoria and Albert Museum in 1899 when the foundation was laid for the Aston Webb Building, which I assume is the main grand entrance building. Rather a long, interesting history.
That would make sense. No other way they could have captured that much space in such a crowded, established city, lol. Coincidentally, I caught a short documentary on TCM about the Great Exhibition. It was like one of those little “news reels” they used to play in the movie theaters. Really fascinating stuff. And here we are so impressed with ourselves for our “great accomplishments” in modern days. Thanks for the tip off. Might have to check it out if Lord willing I get back to London in March.